Study Reveals Poor Oral Health of Elderly Kiwis in Aged Care

A new study by the Otago University that surveyed the oral health of 987 people living in aged residential care found that “those with dementia, and older men in general, have dirtier and more decayed teeth.”

Professor Murray Thompson, Otago Head of Department of Oral Sciences and lead author of the study, has described poor dental health for the elderly as a “major clinical and public health problem which is going to get worse.”

Recently published in the journal Gerodontology, the study revealed that about half of the participants had severely impaired cognitive functions, and more than a third required fillings or extractions.

Older people in aged care facilities have higher rates of cognitive and physical impairments, affecting their ability to perform proper oral self-care, and further complication its provision, Thompson says.

“Not only do we have more and more older people every year, but more and more people are entering old age with their own teeth, rather than full dentures.

“We also now know that half of those in old age will end up in residential aged care, and that more and more of those will have some form of dementia.”

Professor Thomson says greater rates of tooth decay can result in dental and facial infections, poorer quality of life, malnutrition and difficulties in communication.

Additionally, the ability to practice proper dental hygiene is essential in preventing not only dental decay and gum disease but also systemic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Professor Thompson further suggests that a complete extraction for those in their middle age with poor mental health may be a good option.

The odentral health professionals at Drury Dental advocate proper dental care and better dental hygiene, as well as provide quality dental services such as tooth extraction and dental implants to those who are considering this option heading into retirement.

Book an appointment with the caring dental experts at Drury Dental on their website today.